After covering Georgia as the only state that starts with G, the next letter is H. Hawaii is the only state that begins with it.
Get ready to explore surprising facts about its islands, path to statehood, and the unique details that make it unlike any other place in the United States.
History
Hawaii became the 50th state in 1959, but its story goes back centuries. Polynesian voyagers first settled the islands long before any European ships arrived. The Hawaiian Kingdom had its own monarchs, culture, and traditions until the late 1800s.
American sugar planters and businessmen eventually gained influence, leading to the overthrow of Queen Liliʻuokalani in 1893. The United States later annexed Hawaii in 1898, and decades after that, residents voted in favor of statehood.
The Hawaiian Kingdom
The monarchy ruled for most of the 1800s, with King Kamehameha I uniting the islands under one rule in 1810. His leadership is still remembered across the islands today.
Pearl Harbor
The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 forever changed Hawaii’s role in world history. That event pulled the United States into World War II and cemented Hawaii’s place on the global stage.
Geography
Hawaii is made up of a chain of islands in the Pacific Ocean. Only eight are considered the main islands, but the chain itself has more than 100 smaller ones.
Each island has its own character. Oahu is home to Honolulu and Waikiki Beach. The Big Island has massive volcanoes like Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Maui draws visitors with its scenic road to Hana and Haleakalā National Park.
Volcanic Origins
All of the islands were formed by volcanic activity. Some volcanoes are still active today, which adds to the islands’ dramatic landscapes.
Climate
Hawaii stays warm no matter the season. Rain falls heavily on the windward slopes, feeding green cliffs and hidden valleys.
Cross over to the leeward coast and the sky opens wide, with dry heat and beaches glowing in the sun.
Surprising Facts
Hawaii is packed with fun trivia that often surprises people.
It is the only state made up entirely of islands and the only one located in the tropics.
Another interesting point is that Hawaii has two official languages, Hawaiian and English. The “Aloha Spirit” is not just a phrase but part of state law that encourages kindness and respect.
Unique State Symbols
- The state flower is the yellow hibiscus.
- The state fish is the humuhumunukunukuapuaʻa, which is fun to say and even harder to spell.
- Surfing, which many associate with Hawaii, started there as an ancient sport practiced by Hawaiian royalty.
Population Mix
Hawaii feels like a crossroads of people and traditions. Native Hawaiian roots sit alongside Japanese temples, Filipino festivals, Portuguese pastries, and the voices of families who came from across the Pacific.
That mix gives the islands a character you do not find anywhere else in the country.
Final Thoughts
Hawaii leaves a mark in a way few places can. The past still whispers through old royal tales and the day Pearl Harbor changed the world.
The land itself is unforgettable, with mountains that breathe fire, valleys that seem endless, and waves that gave birth to surfing.
Add in a culture built on warmth, respect, and a love for community, and you see why Hawaii is one of a kind.
The next letter in the series is I.